Airbus’ Sharklets delivering efficiency to operators around the world

Airbus has delivered more than 70 A320 jetliners equipped with Sharklets since these fuel-saving wingtip devices entered service. Two of the latest occurred this week with aircraft provided to Air New Zealand (the Sharklets launch customer) and LATAM Airlines Group during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport.

Airbus also marked a recent milestone this May toward expanding the wingtip devices’ application, when the Sharklet-equipped CFM56-powered A319 achieved certification. The other Sharklet-equipped A319 and A321 variants are scheduled for certification this summer.

With the wider use of Sharklets across the A320 Family, around 50 per cent of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft coming off the final assembly lines will have the wingtip devices by the end of this year – growing to more than 90 per cent of A320 Family aircraft produced in 2014.

Airbus spends €300 million annually in further enhancing the A320 Family to maintain its competitiveness, which includes the Sharklets’ development.